New York's prestigious Arthur Ashe Stadium played host to the biggest week of television in AEW's history. This week's Dynamite was very match-focused and featured comparatively few non-wrestling segments, which was fitting given the gravitas of the occasion. The longest non-wrestling segment was a killer CM Punk promo which served its purpose perfectly. Overall, a great show packed with thrilling in-rig action.
Winner: Omega Vs. Danielson Goes To A Time Limit Draw
The biggest TV event in AEW history kicked off with the biggest match in AEW history. In what was his first match in 145 days and also his first match outside of a WWE ring in 11 years, Bryan Danielson (Daniel Bryan) fought the AEW World Champion Kenny Omega to a 30-minute time limit draw ... and it was absolutely spectacular.
The crowd was loud as hell before the two men had even locked up, and the roof nearly came off the venue when they finally did lock up after a few minutes of sizing each other up. What followed was a pro wrestling master class between two of the best to ever do it. It felt like a WrestleKingdom main event, and it's truly mind-boggling that we got to see it on TV for free. 2009 marked the last time Omega and Danielson went toe-to-toe in a ring, and tonight's match was only the fourth time they have shared a ring together -- but it definitely won't be the last ... and we probably won't have to wait 12 years for it to happen again.
Loser: Brian Pillman Jr.
Brian Pillman Jr. and MJF were given the difficult task of following Bryan Danielson vs. Kenny Omega. Thankfully, CM Punk helped them out by cutting a mean promo between the two matches, which settled the crowd back down, which was probably for the best. Pillman and MJF had a decent match, and the crowd was super into it. MJF attempted to use Julia Hart as a human shield at one point, cementing his status as the most hated man in AEW. MJF got the win when he made Pillman tap out in an armlock.
Pillman and MJF have been feuding for a few weeks due to the fact that MJF disrespected Pillman's hometown of Cincinnati, and subsequently, Pillman's family (including his late father). Considering that it's barely two weeks old, the feud has been largely enjoyable and has featured some killer heel promos courtesy of Mr. Maxwell Jacob Friedman. Pillman's performance during the feud has been impressive, and a win would have done wonders for his career, but it wasn't necessary. He can now return to the tag team division with The Varsity Blondes safe in the knowledge that AEW sees him as a future singles star.
Winner: Malakai Black
The dominant streak of the sinister Malaki Black continued with another victory over AEW's golden child, Cody Rhodes. Black's chilling entrance kicked things off, followed by Cody's less impressive but still pretty cool entrance (during which his wife Brandi returned to AEW TV). The match that followed was much longer than their first outing. Cody had clearly learned from his mistakes. It just wasn't his night.
Rhodes showed signs of frustration throughout the match, which caused some complacency. At one point he accidentally knocked Arn Anderson off the apron and went to check on him. This angered Arn, who wanted Cody to focus on the match. Cody's caringness would cause his downfall as Black would capitalize on the distraction and spray black mist into Cody's face. Black got the win and drew a huge cheer from the New York crowd, despite Black being the bad guy of the feud.
Losers: FTR
FTR defeated Dante Martin and Matt Sydal on last week's edition of Dynamite, but the duo is still reeling from its loss to Santana and Ortiz a few weeks ago. A win tonight, against a team featuring a legend (Sting) and a rising star (Darby Allin), would have gone a long way to helping them recover, but it wasn't meant to be.
The match was thoroughly enjoyable, and Sting once again proved that there's still some gas left in the tank. He did a lot in this match but didn't show any signs of fatigue until the very end, and even then, he was far from blown up. Defeat aside, Wheeler and Harwood were brilliant in this match. They helped Sting out a lot and proved that they are two of the best in the business once again.
Winner: Britt Baker
Britt Baker main-evented Dynamite for the second time when she defeated AEW newcomer Ruby Soho inside Arthur Ashe Stadium. Of course, it was only the main event to those of us watching from home as Ramage began taping immediately after, but it's still an accomplishment that's not to be sneered at.
The match was very good, but the two women definitely have a much better match in them. Baker won with assistance from both Rebel and Jamie Hayter, which means the loss won't damage Ruby too much, although it may be a while before she can challenge for the gold again.
Full Results And Noteworthy Moments
- Bryan Danielson vs. Kenny Omega (w/Don Callis) ended in a time limit draw after 30 minutes
- After the bell, Danielson continued his attempt to get Omega in the LaBell Lock until Omega's Super Kliq buddies came to his aid. The Bucks superkicked Danielson and continued to attack him until Christian and Jurassic Express made the save
- CM Punk cut an impassioned promo on Team Taz and said they should have finished the job when they put him through the announce table last week
- MJF (w.Wardlow) def. Brian Pillman Jr. (w/Julia Hart) via submission with an armlock
- Malakai Black def. Cody Rhodes (w/Arn Anderson & Brandi) via pinfall after spraying Rhodes in the face with black mist
- In a pretaped video package, Miro and Sammy Guevara cut promos on each other ahead of their TNT Championship match on next week's Dynamite
- Darby Allin & Sting vs. FTR (Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood) (w/Tully Blanchard) via submission with a Scorpion Deathlock on Harwood
- Dr. Britt Baker DMD (c) (w/ Rebel & Jamie Hayter) def. Ruby Soho via submission with a Lockjaw